Your Observer

By Rod Thomson
May 7, 2009

My View: 'Buy local' is a bad buy

In weak economic times - shoot, sometimes even in strong ones - the impulse to push 'buy local' programs overwhelms all common sense.

Sarasota
Opinion

Kurt Schultheis
May 7, 2009

Contractors attend pre-bid meeting

The town hopes to begin construction on two groins behind The Islander Club no later than Nov. 1.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Southeastern Guide Dogs to hold open house

Southeastern Guide Dogs will host an open house from 9 a.m. to noon, May 23 in honor of our military veterans

East County
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Southeastern Guide Dogs to hold open house

Southeastern Guide Dogs will host an open house from 9 a.m. to noon, May 23 in honor of our military veterans.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Athlete of the Week: Kaycee Wells

The Observer highlights Braden River High School shortstop Kaycee Wells.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Letters to the Editor

The Longboat Observer gives priority to letters of local interest and about local issues.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Jen Blanco
May 7, 2009

Flying High

Canadian silver medalist Jason Burnett will visit Kids Supergym this weekend.

East County
Sports

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Flying High

Canadian silver medalist Jason Burnett will visit Kids Supergym in Lakewood Ranch this weekend.

East County
News

Jen Blanco
May 7, 2009

Thunder sets historic marks without track

After finishing as the regional runner-up, The Out-of-Door Academy boys track team sent eight runners to the Class 1A Track and Field Championships May 1 at Winter Park High.

East County
Sports

By Yalda Hajavi
May 7, 2009

STANGS: Lakewood's Dyer inspires school

Katie Dyer hopes to use her life battling dwarfism to inspire others with the condition.

East County
Schools

By Sydney Yoder
May 7, 2009

STANGS: Back to Basics

Senior English students composed children's books to share with elementary students at Bashaw and Freedom elementary schools.

East County
Schools

By Daria Deringer
May 7, 2009

STANGS: Mustangs use force, win movie competition

Lakewood Ranch TV production students win big at the Manatee County Film Rush.

East County
Schools

By Devin McDermott
May 7, 2009

STANGS: Senior earns acceptance into Rotary exchange

Megan Reuss is eager to leave home and live a full year in Scandinavia.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Observer updates

Public invited to speak about town's sign code - No action taken on cell tower ordinance, again - Town's engineer suggests solution

Longboat Key
News

By Karlin Reed
May 7, 2009

STANGS: Lakewood cheers for returning coach

Varsity coach Melissa Koehlinger helps persuade Macie French to return to cheerleading as the junior varsity coach next fall.

East County
Schools

By Pam McTeer
May 7, 2009

Braden River Middle students donate picnic tables

Members of the school's Technology Students Association have entered the project into the state TSA competition.

East County
Schools

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

In Brief

Road paving ahead of schedule - Wastewater line needs attention - Town accepts stimulus money - Amendments sail through reading - Meetings & Agendas

Longboat Key
News

Kurt Schultheis
May 7, 2009

Pension proposal to be considered

A 20-year amortization plan for the town's three pension plans would force the town to pay approximately $2.1 million per year to wipe out $21 million in losses.

Longboat Key
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Mothers: How do we love thee?

In honor of all our East County moms, we visited several East County elementary and preschools to ask our kids one very important questions: 'What do you love most about your mom?'

East County
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Bulletin Board

East County
News

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Jewish women prep flowerpots

The Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Jewish Women's Circle worked on mosaic flowerpots during the Pretty Planters pre-Shavuot celebration May 3.

East County
Neighbors

Observer Staff
May 7, 2009

Donna Hayes shows patriotism

Like a good scout, Commissioner Donna Hayes always comes prepared. She keeps an American flag in her car at all times.

East County
Neighbors

By Pam McTeer
May 7, 2009

East County team aims for world finals

A team of East County students who attend Southeast High School have qualified for the world finals competition of Odyssey of the Mind. Just weeks from the competition, they need financial backing to make their trip possible.

East County
Schools

Michael Eng
May 7, 2009

Search for Sandhills

Lakewood Ranch resident and nature photographer Larry Roberts watched as two sandhill cranes celebrated the birth of their two colts. But late last week, the four have gone missing, and he's asking for help locating them.

East County
News

By Pam McTeer
May 7, 2009

New mom purees way to healthier baby food

Heather Richmond is starting a class for mothers who want to learn to make their own baby food and who want to learn about nutrition.

East County
News

By Pam McTeer
May 7, 2009

Love blooms at McNeal

The school's K-Kids participants planted a flower garden for their principal Ronna Paris, who will retire this summer. The garden was unveiled May 1, dubbed Ronna Paris Day.

East County
Schools

Robin Hartill
May 7, 2009

Workers seek some relief

As the repaving project moved north, so did an ongoing search for public restrooms.

Longboat Key
News

By Pam McTeer
May 7, 2009

Donna Hayes unveils Jiggs' Landing plans

Jiggs' relative Sandy Metcalf attended Hayes' May 1 advisory meeting to hear plans for improving the site.

East County
News

Michael Eng
May 7, 2009

Coach Hunter resigns from Pirates

Coach Josh Hunter was tapped to start the Pirates football program in March 2005. Interim coach Ed Volz hosted the team's first spring practice May 1.